Former Bulls update: NFL cuts nearing ...

Today, there are 10 former Bulls on NFL rosters, but that number will continue to drop between now and the start of the NFL season on Sept. 6. Here's an update on how the USF contingent is holding up ...

-- Defensive back J.R. Reed, signed by the Giants this week after a slew of injuries, made a strong impression with a leaping interception late in Saturday night's game. Real good writeup in the New York Times about Reed and what he's overcome trying to get back into the NFL.

-- Receiver Ean Randolph's chances of making the Chiefs' roster as an undrafted rookie took a big hit when Kansas City signed veteran return specialist Eddie Drummond. Randolph's biggest value was on special teams, so if Drummond takes over the return job, Randolph faces long odds making the team solely as a receiver.

-- Running back Andre Hall has missed all three preseason games with a hamstring injury, and the Broncos signed veteran Cedric Cobbs last week to offset multiple injuries. Hall's continued absence has given Selvin Young, an undrafted rookie from Texas, an opportunity to shine. Hall has support from Travis Henry, the Broncos' starter, according to the Denver Post.

-- Guard Frank Davis, who made Detroit's roster as an undrafted rookie last year, missed this weekend's preseason game with a knee injury but could return for the final exhibition. Coach Rod Marinelli had called it a "one or two-week deal," so nothing that should severely impact Davis' availability for the regular-season opener.

-- Check out linebacker Stephen Nicholas tonight on Monday Night Football. Nicholas has no worries in terms of making the roster, though he likely is headed to a reserve role with DeMorrio Williams returning from injury tonight, according to the AJC.

-- Linebacker Craig Kobel, who played defensive end at USF, will be among the names of players cut Tuesday, according to the News-Journal of Wilmington, Del. He's been limited by a sports hernia and has undergone season-ending surgery, so he faces either an injury settlement or injured reserve, the paper writes. Tuesday brings the first major cuts to NFL rosters, which trim to 75, still 22 more than the final cuts next week. The only other Bulls that seem to be in danger on this initial cut are tackle Thed Watson in Carolina and defensive tackle Tim Jones with the Bucs.

-- First runner-up on the highlight of the week from the first Big East coaches' conference call: that'd be Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe casually mentioning that Papa John's founder John Schnatter has donated $10-million to the Cardinals' stadium expansion. Only one question for coach Jim Leavitt, who got a follow-up on the status of quarterback Matt Grothe: "How's his ankle?" Said Leavitt: "It's fine." ... Oh, and former St. Petersburg standout Andrew Harris, who committed to USF before signing with West Virginia, did not make grades and will be at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia this fall. His teammate, Jock Sanders, is neck-and-neck with fellow freshman Noel Devine, competing for the No. 2 tailback job behind Steve Slaton.

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South Florida Bulls fans, you've come to the right place: the USF Sports Bulletin blog. Tampa Bay Times sportswriter Joey Knight, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin, and we invite your participation in the comments area. Follow the Times' coverage of USF athletics on Twitter.